The Canadiens traded 2009 first-round pick Louis Leblanc to the Anaheim Ducks for a 2015 conditional fifth-round pick. Leblanc was born in nearby Point-Claire, Quebec and was given a hero’s welcome when he was taken 18th overall by the host Canadiens.

In three seasons with the Habs organization, Leblanc has struggled to punch his way through to the NHL. In his career with the Canadiens he had five goals and 10 points, all coming in the 2011-12 season.

Since that season he’s played just eight games in the NHL and put up unimpressive numbers in the AHL with Hamilton. He had a career-high 13 goals and 28 points in 70 games with the Bulldogs this season.

Now he’ll get a change of scenery, and perhaps a weight off his shoulders going to the Ducks where he won’t have the pressure of being a Montreal-area kid trying to become the Habs savior. The Ducks are buying low on a guy who had a load of potential coming out of Harvard and hoping his game can take off at a new address.

UPDATE (4:30 p.m. ET):Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports says the condition for the Habs to get that fifth-round pick is Leblanc has to play 15 games with the Ducks next season.

Reminds me of a story I was once heard:
If one person tells you, you are a blomfield. You tell that person to go eff themselves.
If two people tell you, you are a blomfield, you start thinking about it.
If three people tell you that you are a blomfield , guess what? You’re a blomfield

Sure Leblanc has never come close to expectations with the Habs but I can’t imagine the intense pressure of being a Quebec kid, picked by the leagues most (historically) successful franchise, and trying to develop with an intense magnifying glass on your game. If your name sounds french then Habs fans are gonna expect you to be a star. He’s got the skills to succeed and I’m sure the much more relaxing environment of California will atleast help a little.